Barcelona's objective: 150 million euros
The club needs to bring in €90m net income ahead of the next season if they are to balance their books
Barcelona are obligated to make signifcant income from player sales this summer if they are to balance their accounts.
While it was revealed that Barcelona had recorded their largest income ever last season, the other side was how much money the club was spending on player's wages which is dangerously high (around 80% of their income). This means that the sporting director has to lower this and, at the same time, earn at least €150m from player sales in order to balance out the club's accounts. All whilst not weakening the squad ahead of the Spanish Super Cup on the 12th August.
net income
Barça, however, won't need to generate €150m gross but in net, which works out at around €90m. The difference between gross and net is exemplified by the case of Paulinho, the biggest sale to date by Barcelona.
Paulinho cost €40m. With his five year contract, the club amortized his fee to €8m per season. As he was only at the club for one season, Barcelona have €32m left to amortize. And so the €50m brought in for his signing, taking away the €32m left to pay, leaves Barcelona with €18m net profit.
And this is how the accounts will be done as they look to reach the sum of €90m. For example, if Rafinha leaves, the accounts are different because he cost nothing and any fee the club earns will be net profit. The same happens with players whose transfer fees have been paid for in full, such as Rakitic and Jordi Alba. Selling either of those would also see the club only make profit.
time is running out
Barcelona have a very clear objective but, at the same time, not a very glamourous one as it's very different to sell than it is to buy. Pep Segura has the challenge of solving this in the new few days because on the 24th July the team is heading to the United States. In the remaining days until then, it's up to the sporting department to try and resolve the situations of players who are no longer needed by Ernesto Valverde.
Barcelona will try to the US and train at Nike's facilities in Oregon. The sports giant is a key sponsor of Barcelona and Valverde will likely have to work with a group of players, many of which won't be part of his squad for the 2018/19 campaign.
Barcelona don't have many days left to sort out their sales with the majority of the unwanted players likely to end up in the Premier League and their transfer window closes on the 9th August. Tick tock.
